In chemistry, we learned about the science behind recycling and researched new ways to create a reusable item that benefits the environment. In one of our labs, we made bioplastic spoons, changing one variable to find out which one was stronger and could be used for actual eating if we wanted to. (I unfortunately don't have a picture). That was the beginning of the creations. For our exhibition, my peers and I all made different sorts of bioplastic/biodegradable items that could be used in the future.
For my project, I made edible straws. I saw a video of a sea turtle getting a plastic straw pulled out of it's nose and it was so sad. That was one my main inspirations. Some scientists estimate that there are over 7 million plastic straws in the ocean. The other inspiration I had, were those cookie straws that you drink with milk. I remember using those a kid, and I thought that they were so much fun, and they made my milk taste good. I started researching ways to make edible straws, and I found a recipe for jolly rancher straws. My partner, Kammy and I melted down jolly ranchers, wrapped them around a skewer and let them cool until they were ready to be taken off the skewer.
This project was really fun to do and it was such a fun idea to have.